Soldiers from 13th Engineer Regiment trial new technology Ground Uncrewed System (GUS) during Exercise Talisman Sabre at RAAF Base Curtin, Western Australia. Photo: CPL Janet Pan.

The Australian Defence Force has further tested new ground uncrewed systems (GUS) as advancements in international unmanned technology show promising results. Soldiers from the 13th Engineer Regiment of the Australian Army evaluated these unmanned systems at RAAF Base Curtin near Derby, Western Australia.

In the realm of unmanned land-based robotics, the Australian Army had previously showcased fire and manoeuvre demonstrations featuring two autonomous Australian Army M113 AS4 armoured vehicles at Majura Training Area in late 2019, in front of senior leadership from the Department of Defence. It’s known that in-service R400 EOS remote weapon stations have been integrated onto M113 armoured personnel carriers to function as optionally crewed combat vehicles. The Army plans to conduct weapon system test firing in early 2024.

On the global stage, fully electric autonomous unmanned ground vehicles recently underwent trials, organized by the Estonian Military Academy and the Estonian Defence Forces in Estonia. These trials included obstacle avoidance, speed, and maneuverability challenges, with eleven companies participating over two days. The trials showcased the advancements in autonomous technology, impressing participants from over 20 countries.

Reflecting this progress, a participant in the trials stated, “These trials have shown just how far autonomous technology has come in recent years. We were proud to put our system to the test alongside some of the world’s most skilled developers. We are really pleased with our performance and look forward to seeing how our technology will evolve over the coming years.”

In the United States, recent contracts announced on July 31 focus on the design and prototyping of the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, intended to replace the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The XM30 is the US Army’s inaugural ground combat vehicle crafted using modern digital engineering tools and techniques. Ed Zoiss, President of L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems, expressed enthusiasm about working with partners to produce advanced and secure vehicles, incorporating innovative technologies for superior protection, firepower, and mobility. The vehicle features L3Harris third-generation sights to enhance threat identification capabilities.

Australia is conspicuously lagging in Defence recruitment, with the gap widening annually. The Australian Defence Force and defence industry grapple with substantial workforce challenges, as highlighted in the recent Defence Strategic Review (DSR). The DSR advocates for expediting recruitment processes, aiming for days rather than months, and proposes alterations to the recruitment framework. Additionally, it suggests a comprehensive review of ADF Reserves by 2025 and contemplates reintroducing a Ready Reserve Scheme.

Despite a federal target to increase armed forces to 80,000 personnel by 2040, doubts arise about the nation’s readiness to engage in an Indo-Pacific conflict. The prevailing “she’ll be right” attitude, reliance on colonial powers, and historical isolation from conflicts hinder preparedness. A survey reveals a lack of collective spirit, with 46% inclined to stay and fight, while 28% would leave in a crisis.

Moreover, Australia’s disinterest in defence is compounded by decades of political opposition to civilian defence policies, stringent firearms legislation, and restrictions on combat-style sports. This has resulted in a low rate of licensed gun owners (3.41 per 100 people), limiting the pool of individuals familiar with military skills.

Comparatively, other nations in the Indo-Pacific and Europe successfully implement compulsory military service. Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and Finland have models ensuring citizens’ participation in defence. In contrast, China and Russia utilize state-run education programs and conscription to boost military recruitment significantly.

Recent developments in China and Russia highlight their commitment to patriotic education, blending ideology, history, culture, and military training in schools and universities. This approach fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for weapons, contributing to a society more amenable to military service.

In conclusion, Australia faces a widening gap in Defence recruitment, hindered by cultural attitudes, legislative restrictions, and a lack of compulsory service. Addressing these issues is crucial to building a robust defence network in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.

This list is not politically centric; rather, it outlines what I would like to see from present and future Australian Governments.

1. Declare that Australia no longer supports the Net Zero 2050 narrative.
2. Announce the intention to repeal the ban on nuclear energy for power generation.
3. Pledge to implement further migration controls and policies incentivizing domestic births. Prioritise countries of origin for immigrants to enhance assimilation.
4. Avow to discontinue the practice of welcoming Australians to their own country.
5. Commence an audit of the Aboriginal Industry to ensure funds are directed where they can do the best for the most vulnerable.
6. Abolish the Assistant Minister for the Republic portfolio.
7. Launch a Royal Commission into ideological abuses prevalent in tertiary and general education.
8. Revoke the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill. The Government should not be exempt, as dissent with policy should not be automatically labelled as misinformation or disinformation.
9. Initiate a probe into Services Australia, especially Centrelink, to address the growing welfare state. Propose tripling unemployment benefits for the first three months, halving them thereafter, and discontinuing benefits after six months. For those who are infirm and unable to work, transition them to disability pension. Eliminate lifetime unemployment benefits.
10. Agree to better measure foreign aid funding against our domestic economic circumstances.
11. Begin aggressive efforts to revitalize Australia’s sovereign capabilities, including the production of long-range missile deterrents and prioritizing naval shipbuilding, which has been problematic for the past two decades.
12. Affirm that a woman, and nothing else, is a biological female.
13. Withdraw from the United Nations and all associated treaties—a bureaucratic and financial sink that is as useless as those things on bulls.